In an era where independent bookstores face significant challenges, including declining foot traffic and sales, establishments in Lyon are ingeniously reinventing themselves. By hosting a diverse array of literary events, these bookstores are not only attracting new clientele but also fostering deeper engagement with their communities, turning a new page in their business models.
Literary Events: A Lifeline for Independent Bookstores
The strategy centers on creating dynamic spaces where books come alive through interaction and discussion. Francine Soulière, a bookseller at L’Œil cacodylate in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement since 2023, highlights the transformative power of these gatherings. “Events create moments of exchange around the book, with questions about writing style, the author’s habits, and the major themes that can emerge. This provides a sensitive and human approach to the book,” Soulière explains.
L’Œil cacodylate exemplifies this trend, organizing a monthly reading circle alongside over 80 annual meetings with authors, publishers, and translators. These events, while often free, serve as crucial economic drivers. “These events often help us economically, even if it’s not systematic,” Soulière notes, adding that participants frequently purchase the featured books. For events requiring additional services, such as actors for literary readings, the bookstore seeks financial support to cover costs.
Expanding Reach: From Local to National Audiences
Newer establishments like Aux Grimoires Romantiques, specializing in romance literature and open for just over a year, have built a significant customer base almost entirely through their event programming. Manon, the founder, details a rich calendar of debates, writing workshops, book signings, reading clubs, creative workshops, and themed evenings. These initiatives attract a wide audience, including dedicated fans who travel from across France for special events.
“Some signings attract five to six people who come to discover authors, books, or publishing houses. But sometimes, we invite big names in romance, and we reach readers from all over France, with people from Brest, Paris, or Toulouse traveling for a signing,” Manon states, underscoring the broad appeal of these specialized events.
Community Integration and Desacralizing the Book
Beyond traditional bookstores, second-hand booksellers are also adopting this event-driven approach. Les Voraces, a used bookstore on the Croix-Rousse plateau, organizes youth readings, puppet shows, and bingos. Co-founders Mathilde Houzet and Clovis Billard aim to integrate their store into daily neighborhood life and make books more accessible. “The goal is to desacralize the book as an object and to bring in people who don’t usually come to the bookstore,” they explain.
The flexibility of being a second-hand bookseller allows for a wider range of event types, inviting diverse professionals such as illustrators and typographers. This diversification helps local bookstores overcome the challenge of generalized declining foot traffic. “These literary events help us overcome our daily challenges, impacted by a generalized decline in bookstore attendance. It’s a way to diversify,” Soulière confirms, as she prepares for an upcoming event with Phoebe Hadjimarkos-Clarke.
The Future of Bookstores: A Hub of Culture and Community
The success of these initiatives in Lyon highlights a promising path for independent bookstores. By transforming into vibrant cultural hubs, they are not only securing their economic future but also enriching the cultural landscape of the city. These events foster a sense of community, provide unique experiences, and ultimately, ensure that the love of reading continues to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
